ROBERT WILLIAM PRUIT
1932-2021
Known as “Robert” to his parents and some friends, as “Bob” to his wife and other friends, and as “Dad” and “Grandad” to his three children and their children and grandchildren, the beloved Robert W. Pruit succumbed to kidney failure and other indignities of old age Saturday, August 8, 2021.
In his 89 years, he quietly and gently became a strong role model for what a good man should be—not just John Wayne but also Jimmy Stewart. He overcame serious health challenges (except for the last few weeks) and challenging career and financial challenges that would have struck down many other men. Through it all, he stayed true to friends, family, and family values in a way that was an inspiration to others.
Bob was born July 29, 1932, in Bayard Station, New Mexico, but his birth certificate wasn’t recorded until July 30, which became his legal birthday. He grew up in Deming, N.M. His parents, Marlon Roy Pruit and Ovalo Beulah (Pierce) Pruit, had moved from Texas to New Mexico to work on ranches. After a crippling accident from tying off a windmill, Marlon became a businessman, owning and operating—with Ovalo’s help—the Ranch Bar in Deming.
Bob, however, wasn’t interested in the family businesses as much as he was interested in airplanes. He joined the Air Force right after high school graduation, and he served four years. He then went to Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology in Tulsa, Okla., and earned his Aircraft and Power
Plant License. He went on to work for United Airlines in San Francisco, then for Metro Airlines and Royale Airlines, commuter airlines in the Clear Lake City, Tex., area. Finally, he worked for Continental Airlines (later to become United Airlines) at Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston.
He retired in 1998 and was then more free to pursue new and lifelong hobbies. Before computers made worldwide communication possible, there was Amateur Radio. Bob was the first “ham radio operator” in Deming, and he was only a teenager then. He pursued this hobby for many years until computers took over most of the business. He then had a dalliance with computers, but that didn’t quite satisfy. He turned to gardening and made the family’s backyard garden a delightful treat for family and friends. Even just working in the yard or mowing the lawn fed his soul. Perhaps that love of nature was in his genes.
As the last few years robbed him of some of his physical strength, he nevertheless continued to enjoy life, particularly as his family grew. He had met Suzette Ramsey in San Francisco, and they “clicked,” staying married for 54 ½ years. They had three children: David Tenney (wife Lisa), Rebecca Trask, and Zack Pruit (wife Stephanie), all living in the Houston area to their great joy.
Also making them happy were nine grandchildren: Claire Tenney, Paul Tenney (Kerrie Savidge), Faith Tenney (Patrick Mullarkey), James Tenney, Sophia Cunningham (Scott Cunningham), Stephen Tenney (Caitlyn Tenney), Jonathan Tenney, Olivia Trask, and Charlotte Pruit. Adding to Bob and Suzette’s joy are three great-grandchildren: Mila Tenney, Amauri Chriesmon, and Liam Tenney.
Bob is also survived by his brother Travis Pruit (Carol), and nieces Doreen Marchese (Gary) and Wendy Pruit (Kris Dodson). Suzette’s sisters
Rae Ramsey (John Conti) and Pam Ramsey also survive him (and feel his loss).
Bob loved nature, airplanes, travel, cars, motorcycles, skiing, fishing, gardening, boating and kayaking, hunting, beekeeping, history, PBS, food, and life in general. But what made life most worthwhile for him was his family. They all loved him, and he loved them back.
A memorial service will be held for Bob/Robert/Dad/ Grandad at Palmer Memorial Episcopal Church at 10 a.m., Saturday, August 28.